Protecting Art

Protecting Your Fine Art From Light-Induced Fading

Light is necessary to view your artwork, but light can also cause fading and damage to your pieces.

Fortunately, there are ways you to minimize the effects of light on your collection.

Awakening
Giclee by Victoria Ryan

Avoid Sunlight

The first and most useful step to take is to prevent sunlight from striking the surface of artwork.

Sunlight is partially composed of damaging UV rays. Just as sun exposure can damage your skin; it can also cause deterioration of your artwork.

Take a look at your art collection at various times of day. If any sunlight is falling on a piece, move the piece to a new location.

A sure test is to remove the piece from the wall and compare the space surrounding the art with the space hidden behind or underneath it. If you spot a difference you have to take action or your art will eventually be ruined.

You really don't want to live in the dark. You have to find a nice medium so both you and your artwork can survive together.

If you have lots of glass or live in sunny climes, cover your art - including oil paintings - with UV resistant glass. You can also put special films on your windows. This has the added advantage of protecting other furnishings and possibly helping with the heating/air-conditioning bills.

Avoid Fluorescents

Although fluorescent light is back in vogue to its energy saving capabilities, fluorescent light can damage fine art.

Incandescent bulbs do not emit UV rays and are considered safer for lighting artwork.

Unfortunately, incandescent lights have presumably been banned in the US. So if you do use fluorescent bulbs, cover them in a special UV blocking wrapper or film.

Avoid Spotlights

So called "picture lights" are readily available, and often used to spotlight artworks. However, these lights should not be used on fragile art pieces.

Although they may not emit UV rays, the heat that is generated on the piece can be equally damaging.

You might avoid this problem by adjusting the lights to move them further away from the surface of your artwork.

Consider Framing Paintings Under UV Blocking Glass

UV blocking is available in both special glass and Plexiglas covers (plastic is naturally UV resistant). If your paintings will be exposed to light on a regular basis, consider having them professionally mounted under UV resistant materials.

Talk to a professional framer for advice on which material to select for your item.

Rotate Pieces

Sculpture, 'The Yard'

If your artworks are particularly fragile, such as paper items or photographs, or are regularly exposed to light, consider rotating your collection.

Create a safe storage room with proper ventilation and humidity control as well as light control. Rotate your pieces between display and the storage room.

However, this is just a delaying tactic. It's better to look into long term solutions.

Display Copies

If your artwork is fragile or extremely valuable, consider displaying a copy instead. Keep the original stored in your safe storage room where it can be properly preserved.

On the other hand, if it is that valuable it is worth the extra cost of properly preserving and protecting it. This would also involve effective security measures.

Don't Forget Furniture, Crafts and Other Pieces

Although many of us are aware of the effects that light can have on paintings, we sometimes forget that light can wreak havoc on other items as well.

Fabrics are especially susceptible to damage, most commonly in the area of fading. However, craft pieces, sculptures and even handmade jewelry items should be protected as well.

Museums dedicate entire teams to the preservation and restoration of pieces of art.

Although many of their techniques are expensive and impractical for the home collector, there are steps you can take to minimize the effects of light in your own home.

If you have questions or concerns, a local gallery or museum may be able to help. Think through your unique needs and follow the tips above, and you will be well on your way to protecting your valuable collection.

Read more about Art Preservation.

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